On Friday morning, China’s Deputy Minister Ma Chaoks chaired a meeting between Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Lyabakh and Iran’s Deputy Minister Kazem Galibabadi.
In a joint statement after the meeting, the three countries emphasized the importance of eliminating US sanctions against Iran.
“China, Russia and Iran have engaged in detailed discussions on the latest play situation regarding nuclear issues and lifting sanctions. The three countries emphasized the need to end all illegal, unilateral sanctions,” the statement said.
It also urged diplomacy on pressure, threats and sanctions.
China and Russia welcomed Iran’s repetition that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes only. Moreover, they welcomed Iran’s commitment to full compliance with its obligations under the Nuclear Weapons Shortage (NPT) and its Comprehensive Protection Agreement. Furthermore, Moscow and Beijing stressed the need to fully respect Iran’s right to peaceful use of nuclear energy as the NPT’s party.
Later on Friday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi held another meeting with the vice ministers of Iran and Russia. The Chinese diplomat proposed his points regarding a proper reconciliation of Iran’s nuclear issue.
He said Beijing is still committed to peaceful settlements in the conflict through political and diplomatic means, and is opposed to the use of force and illegal sanctions.
The King added that his country is committed to balancing rights and responsibility, taking a holistic approach to the goals of nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy.
China’s Foreign Minister further said that East Asian nations are dedicated to the 2015 nuclear deal framework known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a foundation for establishing new consensus. He also expressed his opposition to intervention by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Since returning to the White House on January 20th, US President Donald Trump has recovered his “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran. He called for the US Treasury to impose sanctions on Tehran and strengthen their enforcement.
Last week, Trump strengthened anti-Iranian rhetoric. I prefer to make a deal because I’m not trying to hurt Iran. ”
Trump’s “Max Pressure” campaign began in 2018 after withdrawing from the JCPOA during his first term in office.
Subsequent campaigns included a re-station of anti-Iran sanctions, which were lifted under the JCPOA, in exchange for restrictions on the country’s nuclear activity.
Washington’s unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA and recovery of sanctions has been described as a policy that has been failed even by former President Joe Biden’s administration officials.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Trump downplayed the tripartite talks in Beijing.
“Well, maybe they’re going to talk about the nuclear-free issue. Maybe they’re talking about nuclear de-escalation,” Trump told reporters.
Iran emphasizes that it will not hold talks with the US under pressure and threat.
Ayatollah Seiyed Ali Khamenei, the leader of the Islamic Revolution, issued a harsh warning to Usson that Iran “does not seek war, but if someone takes action, our response will be decisive and certain.”
Iran also condemned the recent UN Security Council closure meeting on nuclear programmes held at the US request.
“We are strongly opposed to this provocative and unfair meeting. This is not a legitimate discussion on non-proliferation, it is a blatant political manipulation and a misuse of the Security Council to advance a narrow agenda.
As the US is now trying to impose jungle law, China’s diplomatic involvement, illustrated by Friday’s consultations in Beijing, demonstrates its commitment to multilateralism and international stability. Furthermore, China has consistently contributed to efforts for peace and stability, especially in Western Asia.
In 2023, China played a key role in mediating the settlement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Last July, Hamas and Fatah signed a Chinese brokered contract in Beijing in line with their efforts to resolve their differences. Officials from these Palestinian groups met with the Chinese foreign minister after settlement talks involving 12 other Palestinians.
For now, China’s position as a global mediator has come to the forefront as the US influence on the international stage decreases.
First published by Tehran Times